What action is taken during a backfiring technique?

The action taken during a backfiring technique involves setting a fire in a controlled manner to combat the spread of another existing fire. This technique is often used in wildland firefighting and is an important strategy for managing fire containment.

When firefighters initiate a backfire, they ignite a fire in an area that is strategically chosen, typically on the unburned side of the main fire. The flames from the backfire consume the available fuel between the existing fire and the new fire, essentially creating a burnt area that acts as a barrier. As the backfire burns and consumes fuel, it decreases the intensity of the main fire because there is less fuel available for it to continue spreading. This method not only helps to control the direction of the fire but can also protect valuable resources and structures in the threatened area.

In contrast to the other options, which involve different firefighting strategies, the technique of backfiring specifically focuses on the controlled ignition of fire as a means of firefighting. Other methods, such as spraying water from aircraft or digging fire lines, serve different purposes and approaches in firefighting efforts.